TITLE 37. PUBLIC SAFETY AND CORRECTIONS
PART 5. TEXAS BOARD OF PARDONS AND PAROLES
CHAPTER 141. GENERAL PROVISIONS
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 141, Subchapter A, §141.1 and §141.3, concerning General Provisions. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6129). The rules will not be republished. The amendments adopted are to promote simplicity, clarity, and ease of understanding.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under §§508.036(b), 508.0441, 508.045, 508.141 and 508.149, Government Code. Section 508.036(b) authorizes the Board to adopt rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels. Section 508.0441 authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as proper or necessary relating to the eligibility of an offender for release to parole or mandatory supervision and to act on matters of release to parole or mandatory supervision. Section 508.045 authorizes a parole panel to grant or deny parole, revoke parole or mandatory supervision, and conduct revocation hearings.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604482
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 141, Subchapter B, §141.57, concerning rulemaking. The amendments are adopted with one non-substantive change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6131) and will be republished. The amendments proposed are to incorporate modernization updates and relevant statutory cross-references; and to promote simplicity and clarity. Subsection (g) was modified at adoption to remove "of this section."
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rule is adopted under §§508.036(b), 508.0441, 508.045, 508.141 and 508.149, Government Code. Section 508.036(b) authorizes the Board to adopt rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels. Section 508.0441 authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as proper or necessary relating to the eligibility of an offender for release to parole or mandatory supervision and to act on matters of release to parole or mandatory supervision. Section 508.045 authorizes a parole panel to grant or deny parole, revoke parole or mandatory supervision, and conduct revocation hearings.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
§141.57.
(a) Any interested person may petition the Board requesting the adoption of a rule pursuant to Tex. Gov't Codes 2001.021, 2006.002, and 2008.
(b) A petition shall be mailed or submitted by electronic means to the General Counsel of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles as published on the Board's website.
(c) The petition must be submitted in writing, must be identified as Petition for Adoption of Rule, and must comply with the following requirements:
(1) each petition must state the name and address of the petitioner;
(2) each petition shall include:
(A) a completed intake checklist.
(B) a brief explanation of the proposed rule; and
(C) the text of the proposed rule prepared in a manner to indicate the words to be added or deleted in the current text, if any.
(d) The petitioner must submit:
(1) A statement of statutory authority or authority under which the rule is to be promulgated;
(2) If an adverse economic impact of the proposed rule on small or microbusinesses is identified, the petition shall also contain:
(A) An economic impact statement which details the probable effect of the rule on employment in each geographic area affected by the rule for each year of the first five years that the rule will be in effect, and describes alternative methods of achieving the purpose of the proposed rule; and
(B) A regulatory flexibility analysis as defined in Section 2006.002(d), Government Code. In addition to the petition, the person may submit a proposal for the adoption of the proposed rule through negotiated rulemaking. The proposal shall identify the potential participants for the negotiated rulemaking committee, possible third party facilitators, and a timeline for the process.
(e) Consideration and Disposition of the Petition
(1) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this rule, the Chair shall consider and reject or approve petitions submitted.
(2) Within 60 days after receipt of a petition by the General Counsel, or within 60 days after receipt by the General Counsel of a resubmitted petition in accordance with subsection (d) of this rule, the Chair, in consultation with the General Counsel, shall consider the petition and shall either deny it in writing, stating its reasons for denial, or shall initiate rulemaking proceedings in accordance with Section 2001.021, Government Code.
(3) A petition may be denied for failure to comply with the petition requirements of this rule.
(4) If the Chair, in consultation with the General Counsel, denies the petition, the General Counsel shall give the petitioner written notice of the denial and the reasons for the denial.
(f) The General Counsel may refuse to consider any subsequent petition for the adoption of the same or similar rule submitted within one year after the date of the initial petition.
(g) The General Counsel shall provide the petitioner a written acknowledgement of receipt of a petition that states the date the petition was received and the date by which the Chair must act under subsection (e)(2).
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604483
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
C.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 141, Subchapter C, §141.60 and §141.61, concerning submission and presentation of information and representation of offenders. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6132). The rules will not be republished. The amendments proposed are to consolidate rules and revise language to promote simplicity and clarity.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under §§508.036(b), 508.0441, 508.045, 508.141 and 508.149, Government Code. Section 508.036(b) authorizes the Board to adopt rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels. Section 508.0441 authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as proper or necessary relating to the eligibility of an offender for release to parole or mandatory supervision and to act on matters of release to parole or mandatory supervision. Section 508.045 authorizes a parole panel to grant or deny parole, revoke parole or mandatory supervision, and conduct revocation hearings.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604484
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
G.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 141, Subchapter G, §141.111, concerning definition of terms. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6133). The rule will not be republished. The adopted amendments are to eliminate redundant definitions, incorporate applicable acronyms, and update voting codes through a hyperlinked table to enhance accessibility.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rule is adopted under §§508.036(b), 508.0441, 508.045, 508.141 and 508.149, Government Code. Section 508.036(b) authorizes the Board to adopt rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels. Section 508.0441 authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as proper or necessary relating to the eligibility of an offender for release to parole or mandatory supervision and to act on matters of release to parole or mandatory supervision. Section 508.045 authorizes a parole panel to grant or deny parole, revoke parole or mandatory supervision, and conduct revocation hearings.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604485
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
CHAPTER 143. EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 143, Subchapter A, §§143.1 - 143.5, 143.7 - 143.10, and 143.12 - 143.14 concerning full pardon and restoration of rights of citizenship. These amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6135) and will not be republished. Section 143.6 is adopted with changes which clarifies exceptions to §143.6(a). This amendment will be republished. The amendments are adopted to promote simplicity and clarity.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under the Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 11, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 48.01 and Article 48.03. Article 4, Section 11, Texas Constitution authorizes the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor. Articles 48.01 and Article 48.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, authorize the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
§143.6.
(a) An offender currently incarcerated in TDCJ-CID will be considered for a full pardon, upon written application, only after the offender's minimum statutory parole eligibility has been attained and the offender has been reviewed for and denied parole.
(b) Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a survivor of human trafficking or domestic violence who demonstrates the survivor's conviction correlates to human trafficking or domestic violence. The applicant has the burden of demonstrating the connection between the applicant's conviction and the applicant's victimization through human trafficking or domestic violence.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604486
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 143, Subchapter B, §§143.22 - 143.24 concerning conditional pardon. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6137) and will not be republished. Section 143.21 is adopted with changes which clarifies the reference cited in subsection b. This amendment will be republished. The amendments adopted are to promote simplicity and clarity and to conform with protocol. The change in §143.21 should read as follows:
(b) For revocation purposes, a recipient of a conditional pardon is considered a "releasee" as that term is defined in §141.111(26) of this Title (Definitions of Terms).
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under the Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 11, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 48.01 and Article 48.03. Article 4, Section 11, Texas Constitution authorizes the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor. Articles 48.01 and Article 48.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, authorize the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
§143.21.
(a) A conditional pardon is a form of executive clemency that upon application may be recommended by the Board to the Governor, except in cases of treason or impeachment. If granted a conditional pardon, serves to release the offender from the conditions of the offender’s sentence or any disabilities imposed by law thereby, subject to the conditions outlined in the clemency proclamation.
(b) For revocation purposes, a recipient of a conditional pardon is considered a "releasee" as that term is defined in §141.111(26) of this Title (Definitions of Terms). All such revocation proceedings are governed by the rules found in Ch. 146 of this Title (Revocation of Parole or Mandatory Supervision).
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604487
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
C.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 143, Subchapter C, §§143.31, 143.32, and 143.35 concerning reprieve. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6138). The amendments will not be republished. The amendments proposed are to promote simplicity and clarity.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under the Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 11, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 48.01 and Article 48.03. Article 4, Section 11, Texas Constitution authorizes the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor. Articles 48.01 and Article 48.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, authorize the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604488
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
37 TAC §143.33, §143.34
The Texas Board of Pardons and Parole (Board) adopts the repeal of Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 143, Subchapter C. Reprieve, §143.33 and §143.34. The repeal is adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6139). The repeal is the result of a review of the subchapter pursuant to the four-year rule review prescribed by §2001.039 Government Code. The repeals will not be republished.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these repeals.
The repeal of §143.33 is warranted because the civil courts have the right to subpoena someone to attend or appear before them, making the rule unnecessary. The repeal of §143.34 is warranted because the Board has the statutory authority to release an offender due to their medical condition.
The repeals are adopted under §508.036(b)(1) Government Code, which provides authority for the Board adopt rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the repeals.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604493
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
D.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 143, Subchapter D, §§143.41 - 143.43 concerning reprieve from execution. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6140). The rules will not be republished. The amendments adopted are to promote simplicity and clarity and to address grammatical change.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under the Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 11, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 48.01 and Article 48.03. Article 4, Section 11, Texas Constitution authorizes the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor. Articles 48.01 and Article 48.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, authorize the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604489
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
E.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 143, Subchapter E, §§143.52, 143.53, and 143.57 concerning commutation of sentence. The amendments are adopted with changes to the proposed rules as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6141) and will be republished. The amendments adopted are to promote simplicity, clarity, and modernization. The changes to the proposed text of 143.57 are intended to clarify the application process and reflect modernization of the submission process.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under the Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 11, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 48.01 and Article 48.03. Article 4, Section 11, Texas Constitution authorizes the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor. Articles 48.01 and Article 48.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, authorize the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
§143.52.
(a) The Board will consider recommending to the Governor a commutation of sentence upon a request submitted electronically or by mail accompanied by the written recommendation of a majority of the trial officials. These written recommendations must be provided on the official letterhead of each trial official.
(b) If the offender has the recommendation of three trial officials and no written communication is received from the fourth trial official, the Board shall give the remaining trial official notice that a clemency recommendation is being considered by the Board.
(c) In cases tried prior to the tenure of the present office-holders, the recommendation of persons holding such offices at the time the case was tried may be used to support the recommendation of the current trial officials, if in compliance with the requirements of subsection (d) of this section.
(d) Each trial official's recommendation for commutation of sentence must include the following:
(1) a statement that the penalty now appears to be excessive;
(2) a recommendation of a definite term now considered by the officials as just and proper; and
(3) a statement of the reasons for the recommendation based upon facts directly related to the case which were in existence, but not available to, the court or jury at the time of the trial, or a statutory change in penalty for the crime which would appear to make the original penalty excessive.
§143.53.
The Board will consider recommending to the Governor a commutation of the remainder of the time left to serve on a jail sentence or commutation of fine after satisfactory completion of a reprieve of the jail sentence or fine.
§143.57.
(a) The Board will consider recommending to the Governor a commutation of death sentence to a sentence of life imprisonment or the appropriate maximum penalty that can be imposed upon receipt of:
(1) a request from the majority of the trial officials of the court of conviction; or
(2) a written request of the offender or representative setting forth all grounds upon which the application is based, stating the full name of the offender, the county of conviction, and the execution date.
(b) Any such application shall be submitted by electronic means or delivered to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles as published on the Board's website, not later than the twenty-first calendar day before the execution is scheduled. If the twenty-first calendar day before the execution is scheduled falls on a weekend or state observed holiday, the application shall be delivered not later than the next business day. The application shall contain the following information:
(1) the name of the applicant, execution number, together with any other pertinent identifying information;
(2) identification of the applicant's agents, if any, who are presenting the application;
(3) certified copies of the indictment, judgment, verdict of the jury, and the sentence in the case, including official documentation verifying the scheduled execution date, if said information is not contained in the sentence;
(4) a brief statement of the offense for which the offender has been sentenced to death;
(5) a brief statement of the appellate history of the case, including its current status;
(6) a brief statement of the legal issues which have been raised during the judicial progress of the case;
(7) the requested length of duration of the reprieve, which shall be in increments of 30 days in accordance with the Governor's statutory authority to grant one 30-day reprieve, unless a different duration is requested upon the basis of the grounds for the application set forth pursuant to paragraph (8) of this section; and,
(8) all grounds upon the basis of which the reprieve is requested, provided that such grounds shall not call upon the Board to decide technical questions of law which are properly presented via the judicial process.
(c) All supplemental information not filed with the application, including but not limited to amendments, addenda, supplements, or exhibits, must be submitted through the provisions pursuant to subsection (b) of this rule, not later than the fifteenth calendar day before the execution is scheduled. If the fifteenth calendar day before the execution is scheduled falls on a weekend or state observed holiday, all additional information including but not limited to amendments, addenda, supplements, or exhibits shall be delivered not later than the next business day.
(d) The application and any information electronically submitted or delivered with the application, including but not limited to amendments, addenda, supplements, or exhibits, must be provided by the applicant in the manner determined by the Chair.
(e) Advocates for and against the death penalty, generally, and members of the public may submit written information for the Board's consideration through the provisions pursuant to subsection (b) of this rule during regular business hours.
(f) An offender seeking a Board recommendation to the Governor of commutation of the death sentence to a lesser penalty may request the opportunity to speak with a member of the Board. Such request shall be included in the written application or any supplement filed therewith in accordance with this section.
(g) Upon receipt of the request pursuant to subsection (f), the Chair shall designate at least one member of the Board to be present or appear by videoconference at the TDCJ-CID confining unit. Attendance shall be limited to the offender, the designated Board Member(s), Board staff, and TDCJ-CID staff. When considering the offender's application for commutation of the death sentence to a lesser penalty, the Board may consider statements made by the offender at such interviews and any other materials the offender delivers to the Board Member.
(h) The Board shall consider and decide applications for commutation of the death sentence to a lesser penalty. Upon review, a majority of the Board, or a majority thereof, in written and signed form, may:
(1) recommend to the Governor the commutation of the death sentence to a lesser penalty;
(2) not recommend commutation of the death sentence to a lesser penalty; or
(3) set the matter for a hearing pursuant to §143.43 of this chapter (relating to Procedure in Capital Reprieve Cases).
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604490
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
F.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 143, Subchapter F, §143.71 and §143.73 concerning remission of fines and forfeitures. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6143) and will not be republished. The amendments proposed are to promote simplicity and clarity.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under the Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 11, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 48.01 and Article 48.03. Article 4, Section 11, Texas Constitution authorizes the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor. Articles 48.01 and Article 48.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, authorize the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604491
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
G.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 5, Chapter 143, Subchapter G, §143.82 concerning restoration of driver's license. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6144). The amendment will not be republished. The amendments proposed are to promote simplicity and clarity.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rule is adopted under the Texas Constitution, Article 4, Section 11, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 48.01 and Article 48.03. Article 4, Section 11, Texas Constitution authorizes the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor. Articles 48.01 and Article 48.03, Code of Criminal Procedure, authorize the Board to make clemency recommendations to the Governor.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604492
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
CHAPTER 145. PAROLE
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (Board) adopts amendments to 37 TAC Chapter 145, §§145.1 - 145.3, and 145.20 concerning parole process. The amendments are adopted without changes to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6145) and will not be republished. Sections 145.12, 145.13, 145.15, 145.17, and 145.18 are adopted with changes to incorporate the new statutory language from Senate Bill 1506 89th Legislative Session regarding the reconsideration of parole after the first anniversary date of denial; and to promote simplicity and clarity. These rules will be republished. The changes are as follows: Section 145.12, paragraph (6) was modified to more precisely cross-reference section 4(a). Section 145.13 was modified with non-substantive changes to paragraph numbering. Section 145.15 was modified to clarify voting options and correct typographical errors. Section 145.17 was modified to define "Information not previously available" as "responses from trial officials and victims that did not provide input prior to the decision being rendered." Section 145.18 was modified to align with rule requirements in Texas Government Code 508.146(g), requiring Board rules to specify procedures for evaluating prognosis of offenders eligible for MRIS, specify factors for MRIS release, and define what constitutes a threat to public safety.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rule is proposed under §§508.036 and 508.0441, Texas Government Code. Section 508.036 requires the board to adopt rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the board and parole panels; and §508.0441 provides the board with the authority to consider and order release on parole or mandatory supervision.
No other statutes, articles or codes are affected by these amendments.
§145.12.
A case reviewed by a parole panel for parole consideration may be:
(1) deferred for request and receipt of further information;
(2) denied a favorable parole action at this time and set for review on a future specific month and year (Set-Off).
(A) The next review date (Month/Year) may be set at any date after the first anniversary of the date of denial and before the fifth anniversary of the date of denial; or
(B) If the offender is serving a sentence under Section 481.115, Health and Safety Code, involving a controlled substance listed in Penalty Group 1, or an offense under Section 481.1151, 481.116, 481.1161, 481.117, 481.118, or 481.121, the next review date (Month/Year) shall begin as soon as practicable after the first anniversary of the date of denial.
(3) denied parole and ordered serve all, but in no event shall this be utilized if the offender's projected release date is greater than five (5) years from the date of the panel decision, or over one (1) year from the date of the panel decision for offenders serving a sentence for an offense under Section 481.115, Health and Safety Code, involving a controlled substance listed in Penalty Group 1, or an offense under Section 481.1151, 481.116, 481.1161, 481.117, 481.118, or 481.121 of that code. If the serve-all date in effect on the date of the panel decision is extended by more than 180 days, the case shall be placed in regular parole review;
(4) ordered for further investigation (FI) if it is determined that the circumstances favor the offender's release on parole, and impose all conditions of parole or release to mandatory supervision that the parole panel is required or authorized by law to impose. The following table contains the available voting options for the parole panel:
Figure: 37 TAC §145.12(4) (.pdf)
(5) any person released to parole after completing a TDCJ rehabilitation program as a prerequisite for parole, must participate in and complete any required post-release program. A parole panel shall require as a condition of release on parole or release to mandatory supervision that an offender who immediately before release is a participant in the program established under Section 501.0931, Government Code, participate as a releasee in a drug or alcohol abuse continuum of care treatment program; or
(6) any offender receiving an FI vote, as listed in the attached graphic in paragraph (4) of this section, shall be placed in a parole-approved program consistent with the vote. If treatment program managers recommend a different program for an offender, a transmittal shall be forwarded to the parole panel requesting approval to place the offender in a different program.
§145.13.
(a) This section applies only to an offender sentenced to serve consecutive sentences if each sentence in the series is for an offense committed on or after September 1, 1987.
(b) A parole panel shall review for parole consideration consecutive felony sentencing cases as determined and in the sequence submitted by the TDCJ.
(c) If the case under parole consideration is a pre-final consecutive felony sentencing case, the parole panel may defer for request and receipt of further information. The following table contains the available voting options for the Board.
Figure: 37 TAC §145.13(c) (.pdf)
(d) If the case under parole consideration is the last and final in a series of consecutive felony sentencing cases, the case shall be reviewed under §145.12 of this title (relating to Action upon Review).
(e) When a parole panel reviews for parole consideration a consecutive felony sentencing case, the parole panel shall indicate the Cause Number of the consecutive felony sentencing case it is considering.
§145.15.
(a) This section applies to any offender convicted of or serving a sentence for a capital felony, other than a life sentence, or a capital felony with a life sentence, who is eligible for parole, or an offense under Sections 20A.03, 21.02, 21.11(a)(1), or 22.021, Penal Code, or who is required under Section 508.145(c), Government Code to serve 35 calendar years before becoming eligible for parole review. All Board members shall vote on the release of an eligible offender. An eligible offender may only be released to parole if at least two thirds of the members vote favorably to release. Board members shall not vote until they have received and reviewed written report from the department regarding the probability that the offender will commit an offense if released.
(1) Use of the full range of voting options is ineffective in determining whether two-thirds of the Board consider the offender ready for release to parole.
(2) If circumstances support a favorable action upon review, the following table lists the Board's available voting options:
Figure: 37 TAC §145.15(a)(2) (.pdf)
(3) If circumstances do not support a favorable action upon review, the following table lists the Board's available voting options:
Figure: 37 TAC §145.15(a)(3) (.pdf)
(b) If the offender is sentenced to serve consecutive sentences and each sentence in the series is for an offense committed on or after September 1, 1987, the following table lists the Board's available voting options:
Figure: 37 TAC §145.15(b) (.pdf)
(c) Some offenders are eligible for consideration for release to Discretionary Mandatory Supervision if the sentence is for an offense committed on or after September 1, 1996. Before the offender reaches the projected release date, the voting options are the same as those listed in subsections (a)(2) and (a)(3) of this section. For offenders eligible for consideration for release to Discretionary Mandatory Supervision, the case shall be referred to a three-member parole panel within 30 days of the offender's projected release date for consideration for release to mandatory supervision. The following table lists the Board's available voting options:
Figure: 37 TAC §145.15(c) (.pdf)
§145.17.
(a) This rule provides a forum for receipt and consideration of information not previously available to the parole panel where the decision of the panel was to deny release to parole or mandatory supervision. If the denial decision was based upon erroneous information or an administrative processing error, this rule does not apply.
(b) Requests for special review shall apply only to cases reviewed for release to parole or mandatory supervision where the decision of the parole panel was to deny release to parole or mandatory supervision.
(c) All requests for special review shall be in writing and signed by the offender, his or her attorney, or in cases where the offender is unable to sign due to a mental or physical impairment, by a person acting on his or her behalf.
(d) All requests for special review shall be submitted by electronic means or delivered to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles as published on the Board's website.
(e) The request that meets the criteria shall be referred to the special review parole panel.
(f) Requests for special review shall be considered in the following circumstances:
(1) a written request on behalf of an offender is received which cites information not previously available to the parole panel; as defined in subsection (g) of this rule; or
(2) a parole panel denied release to parole or mandatory supervision and a parole panel member who voted with the majority on that panel desires to have the decision reconsidered prior to the next review (NR) date; or
(3) if both parole panel members who voted with the majority are no longer active Board Members or Parole Commissioners, the Presiding Officer places the case in the special review process to be reconsidered prior to the NR date.
(g) Definitions. In this section:
(1) Information not previously available means only:
(A) responses from trial officials and victims that did not provide input prior to the decision being rendered;
(B) a change in an offender's sentence and judgment; or
(C) an allegation that the parole panel has committed an error of law or Board rule;
(2) Erroneous information means information provided to the parole panel during the review process that may have been utilized as a basis for denial but is later determined to be inaccurate; and
(3) Administrative processing error means an action during the processing of an offender's file that results in the omission of or the recording of inaccurate information with respect to voting, denial reasons, or NR dates.
(h) A special review parole panel, other than the current voting panel, shall decide and exercise final action on such requests for special review.
(i) Upon considering a case for special review, the special review parole panel may take the following action:
(1) defer for request and receipt of further information;
(2) vote remain set; or
(3) revote the case in accordance with applicable provisions of Subchapter A of this chapter (relating to Parole Process).
(j) The special review parole panel shall not set an offender's NR date on a date later than the previous NR date.
§145.18.
(a) An offender other than an offender who is serving a sentence of death or life without parole or an offender who is not a citizen of the United States defined by federal law, may be released on MRIS based on factors that include:
(1) nature and onset of the medical condition that meet MRIS criteria enumerated in statute and defined by the Texas Correctional Office on Offenders with Medical or Mental Impairments (TCOOMMI);
(2) required medical treatment and care;
(3) individual diagnosis and likelihood of recovery;
(4) whether the offender constitutes a threat to public safety; and
(5) other relevant information.
(b) The MRIS panel shall evaluate the prognosis of offenders identified by TCOOMMI as meeting MRIS criteria, based on the following:
(1) a review of the offender's condition by at least one health care practitioner; and
(2) a written report from each health care practitioner who reviews the offender's condition that:
(A) is in plain language and understandable by a nonmedical professional;
(B) specifically describes how the offender's condition and treatment for the condition will affect the offender's cognitive and physical abilities and limitations; and
(C) contains other information as required by the Board.
(c) For the purpose of this rule, "threat to public safety" is a determined potential risk of harm or danger to the public, evaluated by the parole panel based on the following factors:
(1) criminal history;
(2) disciplinary, behavioral, rehabilitative, and medical compliance;
(3) victim/trial official information;
(4) nature and onset of medical condition;
(5) required medical treatment and care;
(6) individual diagnosis to include likelihood of recovery; and
(7) any other relevant information.
(d) The following table lists the available voting options for the MRIS panel:
Figure: 37 TAC §145.18(d) (.pdf)
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604494
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Board of Pardons and adopts amendments to 37 TAC Chapter 145, §145.22, Subchapter B, concerning terms and conditions of parole. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6151). The rule will not be republished. The amendments are adopted to consolidate rules and to promote simplicity and clarity.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rule is adopted under §§508.036 and 508.0441, Texas Government Code. Section 508.036 requires the board to adopt rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the board and parole panels; and §508.0441 provides the board with the authority to consider and order release on parole or mandatory supervision.
No other statutes, articles or codes are affected by these amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604495
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
CHAPTER 149. MANDATORY SUPERVISION
SUBCHAPTER
B.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC Chapter 149, Subchapter B, §149.16 selection for mandatory supervision. The amendments are adopted without change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6152). The rule will not be republished. The amendments to §149.16 are proposed to conform with protocol and provide for clarity and simplicity.
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are proposed under §§508.036(b), 508.0441, 508.045, 508.141 and 508.149, Government Code. Section 508.036(b) authorizes the Board to adopt rules relating to the decision-making processes used by the Board and parole panels. Section 508.0441 authorizes the Board to adopt reasonable rules as proper or necessary relating to the eligibility of an offender for release to parole or mandatory supervision and to act on matters of release to parole or mandatory supervision. Section 508.045 authorizes a parole panel to grant or deny parole, revoke parole or mandatory supervision, and conduct revocation hearings.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604496
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
CHAPTER 150. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AND BOARD POLICY STATEMENTS
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles adopts amendments to 37 TAC Chapter 150, Subchapter A, §150.55 concerning memorandum of understanding and board policy statements. The amendments are adopted with a non-substantive change to the proposed text as published in the September 4, 2026, edition of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 6153) and will be republished. The amendments to §150.55 are proposed to provide edits for clarity and simplicity. This section was modified to delete "of this section" in subsection (f).
No public comments were received regarding adoption of these amendments.
The amended rules are adopted under Subtitle B, Ethics, Chapter 572 and Sections §§508.0441 and 508.035, Government Code. Subtitle B, Ethics, Chapter 572 is the ethics policy of this state for state officers or state employees. Section 508.0441 requires the Board to implement a policy which, clearly defines under what circumstances a Board member or parole commissioner should disqualify themselves on parole or mandatory supervision decisions. Section 508.035, Government Code requires the Presiding Officer to establish policies and procedures to further the efficient administration of the business of the Board.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by these amendments.
§150.55.
(a) Section 1--Policy.
(1) It is the policy of the Board that no Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall have any interest, financial or otherwise, direct or indirect; or engage in any business transaction or professional activity or incur any obligation of any nature that is in substantial conflict with the proper discharge of their duties in the public interest. In implementing this policy, they are provided the following standards of conduct, disclosure, and disqualification to be observed in the performance of their official duties.
(2) A Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall respect and comply with the law and not allow their family, social, or other relationships to influence their conduct, decisions, or judgment.
(b) Section 2--Disclosure.
(1) A Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall submit generally, and on a case-by-case basis, written notice to the Presiding Officer (Chair) of any substantial interest held by the Board Member or Parole Commissioner in a business entity doing business with the Board of Criminal Justice, TDCJ, or the Board.
(2) A Board Member or Parole Commissioner having a personal or private interest in any measure, proposal, or decision pending before the Board (including parole and discretionary mandatory supervision release decisions) shall immediately notify the Chair in writing of such interest. The Chair shall publicly disclose the Board Member's or Parole Commissioner's interest to the Board in a meeting of the Board. The Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall not vote or otherwise participate in the decision. The disclosure shall be entered into the minutes or official record of the meeting.
(3) A Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall consider the possibility that they have a conflict of interest before making any decision or vote.
(4) If a Board Member or Parole Commissioner is uncertain whether any part of the conflict-of-interest policy applies to them in a specific matter, they shall request the General Counsel of the Board to determine whether a disqualifying conflict of interest exists.
(c) Section 3--Standards of Conduct.
(1) No Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall accept or solicit any gift, favor, or service that may reasonably tend to influence them in the discharge of their official duties or that they know or should know is being offered with the intent to influence their official conduct.
(2) No Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall accept employment or engage in any business or professional activity which they might reasonably expect would require or induce them to disclose confidential information acquired by reason of their official position.
(3) No Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall accept other employment or compensation that could reasonably be expected to impair their independence of judgment in the performance of their official duties.
(4) No Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall make personal investments that could reasonably be expected to create a substantial conflict between their private interest and the public interest.
(5) No Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall intentionally or knowingly solicit, accept, or agree to accept any benefit for having exercised their official powers or performed their official duties in favor of another.
(d) Section 4--Recusal and Disqualification.
(1) Recusal. A Board Member shall recuse themself from voting on all clemency matters, and a Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall recuse themself from voting on all decisions to release on parole or discretionary mandatory supervision, and decisions to continue, modify, or revoke parole or mandatory supervision when:
(A) they know that individually or as a fiduciary, they have an interest in the subject matter before them; or
(B) the Board Member or Parole Commissioner or their spouse is related by affinity or consanguinity within the third degree to a person who is the subject of the decision before them.
(2) Disqualification. A Board Member shall disqualify themself from voting on all clemency matters, and a Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall disqualify themself from voting on all decisions to release on parole or discretionary mandatory supervision, and decisions to continue, modify, or revoke parole or mandatory supervision when:
(A) their impartiality might reasonably be questioned;
(B) they have a personal bias or prejudice concerning the subject matter or person in the decision before them; or
(C) they were a complainant, a material witness, or served as counsel for the state or the defense in the prosecution of the subject of the parole decision or revocation decision before them.
(e) Section 5--Documentation.
(1) A Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall notify the Chair and General Counsel in writing when they recuse or disqualify themself from voting;
(2) A Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall provide the specific reason for disqualification or recusal;
(3) A Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall document the recusal or disqualification on the minute sheet of the offender's file; and
(4) A Board Member or Parole Commissioner shall place the written notification in the offender's file.
(f) Any written notice, signature, or documentation required by this section, including notices to the Chair and General Counsel under subsection (e) and entries on the minute sheet, may be provided or made by electronic means.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 23, 2026.
TRD-202604497
Richard Gamboa
Technical Writer
Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles
Effective date: November 12, 2026
Proposal publication date: September 4, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 406-5309
PART 13. TEXAS COMMISSION ON FIRE PROTECTION
CHAPTER 439. EXAMINATIONS FOR CERTIFICATION
SUBCHAPTER
A.
The Texas Commission on Fire Protection (Commission) adopts an amendment to 37 TAC §439.1, concerning Requirements--General, without changes to the proposed text as published in the August 21, 2026, issue of the Texas Register (51 TexReg 5525). The rule will not be republished.
JUSTIFICATION FOR RULE ACTION
The Commission adopts this amendment to remove the subsection establishing a two-section examination structure for Basic Fire Inspector certification from §439.1. The Basic Fire Inspector examination requirements are addressed elsewhere in Commission rules. The removal of this subsection results in conforming re-lettering of existing subsections (h) through (n) to (g) through (m), with no substantive change to the text of those subsections. The amendment improves clarity and consistency in Commission rules.
HOW THE RULE WILL FUNCTION
As adopted, §439.1 no longer contains a separate two-section examination requirement for Basic Fire Inspector certification. The remaining subsections are re-lettered (g) through (m) and continue to establish the general requirements for the administration of Commission examinations for certification.
SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
The Commission did not receive any comments regarding adoption of this amendment.
STATUTORY AUTHORITY
The amendment is adopted under Texas Government Code §§419.008 and 419.032, which authorize the Commission to adopt rules for the administration of its statutory responsibilities.
No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by this adoption.
The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.
Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on October 20, 2026.
TRD-202604451
Mike Wisko
Agency Chief
Texas Commission on Fire Protection
Effective date: November 9, 2026
Proposal publication date: August 21, 2026
For further information, please call: (512) 936-3812